For the impassioned crowd on the Capitol steps Saturday, the aim was focused.

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“We are exercising our First Amendment right to preserve our Second Amendment right,” said Kerstin McBride, rally organizer.

The Guns Across America Rally is similar to events in 46 other states Saturday with one message: Gun owners are under attack.

“We’re just standing up together, unified. Saying this is what we are passionate about; we are responsible gun owners and we are going to preserve our constitutional rights,” said McBride.

The stroke of the president’s pen is what gun rights advocates call the weapon being used on them. The president proposed measures including background checks on all gun sales and banning “military-style” assault weapons. He also signed 23 orders dealing with things like gun violence research and offering better training on dealing with active shooter situations to first responders and school officials.

“I think it’s somewhat tragic. I think it’s something that will cause great harm to this country by even further dividing us,” said Sam Traton from Phoenixville.

“We really need to stand up and make sure the Second Amendment is not trampled. Because as so many people know how the Second Amendment goes, so does the bill of rights. And then (the National Rifle Association) is a major target in this war; it’s a cultural war,” said Maria Heil, who is on the NRA board of directors.

Some came to the rally armed, literally, but the overall message here is more of a metaphorical one. NRA members are gearing up for what they call the start of a long battle.

Hunting and fishing retailer Cabela’s says it won’t participate in the Eastern Sports and Outdoors show next month at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex. The decision comes after the event organizer decided to ban the display and sale of assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition clips.